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Hit and Run Suspect has Lengthy Record-John Dunn
FOX 17 News
A tragic hit and run accident claims the life of a three year old boy.
Now, there is new information about the man police say is responsible.
23 year old Percy Thompson got out of jail less than 24 hours before police say he was driving drunk down Brick Church Pike.
An orange Halloween bucket lays beside Little Darius Buchanons booster seat.
The car he was riding in Saturday afternoon now sits mangled in the police departments tow lot.
Meanwhile, the man police say is responsible for the little boys death sits in jail.
"According to witnesses he was driving erratically, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding," says Don Aaron.
Officers say Percy Thompson was driving a Lexus on Brick Church Pike when he lost control, crossed into the opposite lane, and collided with the drivers side of a Ford Taurus.
"The impact was devastating to the three year old. He was taken to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and pronounced dead," says Don Aaron.
Thompson allegedly tried to run from the scene, but officers caught him in a nearby field where they say he smelled of alcohol.
Sadly this wreck isnt his first offense.
"This is a guy who over the years has continued to make himself known to police. It's offense, after offense, after offense," says Don Aaron.
Police say it happens all too often. A repeat offender commits a crime and costs a life.
Thompson has been charged with 59 offenses in the past eight years, and FOX 17 News has learned he was even in jail before the accident until he posted a $6,000 bond.
"This is one of those individuals who we talk about quite a bit as being a persistent problem to the community," says Don Aaron.
Now Darius Buchanons mother is left to mourn her young son. His night of trick or treating never came.
Meanwhile, Percy Thompson finds himself back where he was just a few days ago, behind bars, this time charged with vehicular homicide.
Police say Darius Buchanon was belted in to his booster seat, but they also add that a child his age should have been in a full-size child safety seat.
Hit and Run Suspect has Lengthy Record-John Dunn
Posted: Monday, November 2 2009, 07:58 PM CST
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